She hung there, wrapped tightly in Delphine's arms. She felt long fingers stroking her back, up and down, that rhythm that had lulled her to sleep after their first time. The soft exhalations of warm air against the crook of her neck sent thrills across her skin. For a moment she could almost forget about the blood. Almost. She felt her body tense and she pulled back, feeling her throat close. Delphine pulled back, afraid she'd done something to upset her. She coughed once, twice, covering her mouth with a shaking hand. Delphine stared as blood began to drip through the crack between Cosima's thumb and index finger.
"Help me."
The words came out gargled by blood and tears. Cosima reached her clean hand out to Delphine, grasping the woman's left hand and squeezing gently. Delphine nodded. She pulled Cosima up gently, taking much of her weight as she walked her slowly towards the bathroom.